"If You Need A Friend, I'm Sailing Right Behind" - Jonathan Pearson, Development Director and ON, discusses friendship and becoming an ON

May 10, 2024

Jonathan Pearson, the school’s Development Director and ON offers us his perspective on friendship and becoming an ON.



"If you have never heard of the music duo ‘Simon and Garfunkel’, you have now!

Two college buddies, singer-songwriter Paul Simon was the diminutive, rotund one playing guitar, and Art (short for Arthur) Garfunkel was lanky and angular, but had a pure, angelic voice. Huge in the 1960s, they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have nine Grammys to their name and their singles have sold over 100m worldwide. Their most iconic song is Bridge Over Troubled Water, a song that quite literally moves grown men to tears – or at least it does this grown man.


However, it is another of their songs I intend to focus on, a record that sold 22m copies, called Sound of Silence. It has the thought-provoking opening line: “Hello darkness, my old friend”. Throughout all my adult life, I believed this song to reflect dark thoughts about human mortality, but the real meaning, discovered only recently, is infinitely more profound and relates to the astonishing power of friendship, which is the theme of my address today.


Our story began when Art Garfunkel enrolled in Columbia University, where he met a student named Sandy Greenberg, and they immediately became best friends. Soon afterwards, Sandy was struck by tragedy. His vision became blurry, and he received the devastating news that severe glaucoma was destroying his optic nerves. The young man with such a bright future would soon be completely blind. Sandy was devastated and fell into a deep depression. He gave up college and cut all contact with peers.


One day, his friend Art showed up at his front door and convinced Sandy to give college another go, promising that he would be right by Sandy’s side to make sure he didn’t fall - literally or figuratively.


Art kept his promise, faithfully escorting Sandy around campus and effectively serving as his eyes. It was important to Art that Sandy should never feel alone. Art actually started calling himself “Darkness” to demonstrate his empathy with his friend. He’d say things like, “Darkness is going to read to you now.” That opening line of the Simon and Garfunkel hit Sound of Silence echoes the way Sandy always greeted Art: “Hello Darkness, my old friend”.


One day, Art was guiding Sandy through crowded Grand Central Station when he suddenly said he had to go, leaving his friend alone and petrified. Sandy stumbled and after a couple of hellish hours, finally got on the right subway train. On exiting the station, Sandy bumped into his trusty friend Art who had surreptitiously followed him the whole way home, secretly ensuring his safety. Art was giving him the priceless gift of independence. Sandy later said, “That moment was the spark that caused me to live a completely different life, without fear, without doubt. For that I am tremendously grateful to my friend.”


Sandy graduated from Columbia, secured degrees at Harvard and Oxford, becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He and Art remain friends to this day.


All this got me reflecting on the nature of deep, life-long friendship. Creating such friendships is at the heart of all we do in the school’s Development Office, which I lead. When you leave school, you will become an ON for life, from 18 to over 100. I look forward to welcoming each of you one day into the ON community.


In my experience, whilst every ON has their particular affiliation with the school, there are two common threads that all ONs share. The first relates to an abiding affection for the school site and this Cathedral. Many places hold a special significance to a memorable event. The second relates to strong relationships maintained throughout adulthood with fellow ONs, particularly to members of their own year group.


Just take a moment to look at those you are sitting or standing next to right now…. Although this may be far from your minds with Period One of the day looming, it could be that your next door neighbour today is someone you will go on holiday with; or perhaps someone you will live with for a time; or maybe they are those trusted friends you can phone in times of need at two o’clock in the morning; or maybe one will be your best man or maid of honour at your wedding. As far-fetched as these may seem to you now, all of those scenarios have genuinely occurred during my lifetime with those I sat next to in Cathedral, or in class or in tutorial or played sport with in the 1980s. I will add one more: you might end up marrying the person you’re right next to now; there are a growing number of ONs who have tied the knot in recent years. To save you squirming nervously in your seats, don’t worry, I‘ll move on!


So, my recommendation is to treasure your friendships at school. They will last you a lifetime. My oldest friend, Scott, whom I knew at Norwich School and Town Close beforehand is still a great friend 50 years on. I particularly stress this to those leaving school this summer. Every day from now on is precious, as you cultivate special friendships and form memories to cherish during your final weeks here. Never again will you spend so much time with your school friends as you do now. Those friendships will only blossom and deepen in years to come. The work done by my colleagues and I in the school’s Development Office helps ONs stay in touch, to meet up and to remain close to the school and to each other. Who knows, we might even get a wedding invitation from you one day!


At the start of this assembly, I mentioned Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic song, Bridge over Troubled Water. It has sold over 25 million copies, spending seventeen weeks in the UK top 40 in 1970. It has a haunting melody, breathtaking delivery and poignant lyrics, as Art Garfunkel articulates how loving friendship is like a metaphorical bridge that carries you both over life’s troubled waters to find comfort in calmer pastures together.


I invite you to seek out the original version, but in the meantime, I now ask Hal Major, Chester Dimoglou and Dylan Parsons with Mr Stamp on piano, to give you their rendition. Hankies at the ready, Upper Sixth. 

So, courtesy of Simon and Garfunkel, I give you Bridge Over Troubled Water."


Following this was a wonderful rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water from Upper 6 pupils, Hal Major, Chester Dimoglou and Dylan Parsons.


September 1, 2025
Cricket Catch Up from the Summer Break It has been wonderful to see the Norwich School contingent for Swardeston perform so well. Lawry Williams (who was named man-of-the-match) led their U19 squad with Lewis, Ollie and Deeran to victory in their T20 competition on Monday 25 August, winning the Norfolk Cricket Foundation Vitality Club U-19 T20 Trophy. We have had several players involved with Norfolk, England Over 40’s and Bunbury’s over the years… Highlights include - Ollie Longdon Scoring 87 and 90 at Bunbury in the 2-day fixture. Maiden 50 in the EAPL at 15. Tom Bush Bunbury selection. Bella Lewis Superb Norfolk season with 25 wickets including a 5-wicket haul against Harrow CC. Bella Borges Leads the overall Norfolk pathway batting run totals with over a 1000 runs for Norfolk u15, U18 and also the women’s squad. 153 for the U18’s against Suffolk. 102 for the U15’s against Cricket East and 5 wickets for 13 runs 119 against Herfordshire. Staff achievements - Alfie Cooper and the Norfolk Men’s winners of the national T20. Richard Sims selection and 50 runs scored for the England over 40 team against Scotland.
By Eleanor Lewis August 22, 2025
Lower 6 pupil, Kwame Bekoe, has represented England U18s in the 2025 U18 International Series in South Africa this summer. Kwame started at lock in the opening fixture against Georgia, before coming off the bench to make a strong impact in the second match against France. His performances earned him a place in the starting XV for England’s clash with tournament hosts South Africa on Saturday 16 August. Kwame is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and has been a standout player for the school’s First XV since joining the side in Upper Fifth. To celebrate his success, we asked him a few questions... How long have you been playing rugby? I started rugby at 9 years old with Norwich Rugby Football club. So I've been playing for about 8 years now. How often do you train? In season I'll train with school 2-3 times a week and with tigers 1-2 times a week. I also try and go to the gym at least 5 days a week. How did you get into the Leicester Tigers Academy? I officially got into the academy in year 11 after attending numerous developmental training sessions hosted by tigers since the start of year 10. I was put forward by my rugby club coach to be apart of these sessions and was kept through the pathway after multiple selections until I was selected for the academy. How did you get selected for the U18 International Series in South Africa? Fortunately, I was selected for the England U17 may development camp after missing out on being selected for the first camp in April. It was a four day camp with a match on the fourth day and this camp determined which players out of the 46 on camp would play in the summer series. How did it go? It was a great two weeks with a great group of talented players. Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but everyone got better as players and had a wonderful experience playing at international level. What was the best part? The best part for me was after the France game having a dinner party with all the teams (Georgia, Ireland, France, England and South Africa) and having a good time singing and dancing with all the players. What was the most challenging? The most challenging part for me was matching the physicality of the national teams as they were all exceptionally strong and maintained a relentless level of intensity throughout the games. It was also challenging to memorise all the calls and plays that we used for the 3 games. How has Norwich School supported your rugby journey? Norwich has helped especially with providing transport to training with tigers. They have also supported me with sports scholarship programme to help with mentally and physically preparing myself before matches. The coaches have also taught me a lot since joining in year 7 and some skills that I still use to this day. What's next? Hopefully I will be selected for more England Camps towards the end of the year and being selected for the U18 Six Nations in 2026. What are your future prospects in Rugby? I hope to continue playing rugby at a high level in order to improve and become the best player I can be.
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
It was a real pleasure to welcome back our 2025 GCSE pupils today as they collected their results. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with many smiling faces as pupils celebrated their hard-earned successes. We are enormously proud of such a strong performance from this year’s cohort, including: 29% of our pupils achieved a grade 9 Over half our pupils (54%) achieved grades 9-8 74% of our pupils achieved grades 9-7 There were also some outstanding individual performances, including 10 candidates with 10 x grade 9 or better and 35 candidates with at least 9 x grades 8 or 9. We caught up with some of the pupils to learn more about their personal successes and hear about what lies ahead for them. 
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
We are pleased to announce very strong GCSE results for 2025. From the cohort of 132 candidates, overall percentages are as follows: 29% at grade 9 54% at grades 9-8 (A*) 74% at grades 9-7 (A*-A) 88% at grades 9-6 (A*-B) 98%: overall pass-rate (grades 9-4) Outstanding individual performances included:  4 candidates with 11 x 9 or better; 10 candidates with 10 x 9 or better; 35 candidates with at least 9 x 8 or 9. Steffan Griffiths, Head, commented, “Our GCSE Class of 2025 have worked very hard for these results and they now thoroughly deserve their success. Well-supported at home and at school, they have laid terrific foundations to make the most of our Sixth Form, whether academically or in other aspects of our holistic provision. We look forward to supporting them as they make this exciting transition.” Assistant Head (5th Form), Andrew Curtis, said, “I offer sincere congratulations to our Upper Five pupils on their excellent results. They have been diligent in their academic work, but they have also contributed strongly in sport, drama, music, dance and school clubs. Perhaps most importantly, they have built strong friendships which will stand them in good stead for the future. They have much to offer as they move into our 6th Form and I wish them all well.
By Eleanor Lewis August 14, 2025
Emotions ran high on A Level results day, and rightly so, as our Class of 2025 reached a major milestone after two years of hard work and commitment. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new journey as they step into the future, armed with the results of their hard work. Over 95% of pupils achieved their first or second choice onward route and there are also some truly outstanding personal triumphs. No question, the pupils in this year’s cohort have every reason to feel proud. We caught up with a few of them to hear first-hand what these results mean and how they’re feeling as they look ahead. 
Norwich School and the Close
August 14, 2025
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of 177 U6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 52% of grades at A*-A; 82% at A*-B; 94% at A*-C; 100% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 5 candidates with 4 A*; 16 candidates with 3A* or more; 54 candidates with 3A or more. These results are enabling positive next steps. Even before improvements from the UCAS Clearing process have been absorbed, 80% of leavers have secured their first choice onward route and over 95% have achieved their first or second choice.  The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2025; they have been terrific in so many areas of school life, acting as positive role models in our community and offering much in arenas such as sport, music, drama, dance and service. It is fitting that they now round off their time in Cathedral Close with strong academic results, too, thereby opening up all sorts of exciting individual onward routes. All at school wish them well”. Richard Peters, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of pupils committed to a concerted spell of hard work, so I am pleased that they have been appropriately rewarded with these impressive results. They enjoyed support of families at home and teachers in school, to whom I am grateful. I offer sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.
By Eleanor Lewis August 5, 2025
Nick Conway, L6 pupil, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Under 19 Junior World Championships in the Men’s Eight racing in Trakai, Lithuania, which is taking place from 6-10 August. This is a very proud moment for the Boat Club program and the School as a whole, as Nick is the first Sixth Form rower from Norwich School to be selected for the Junior World Championships. To celebrate this achievement, we caught up with Nick in the lead up to the Championships... How long have you been rowing? I’ve been rowing for 2 1/2 years since starting lent term in L5. However, rowing has been a part of my life from a young age through my parents. How often do you practice/train? As a boat club we have 14 sessions a week, where we train as a whole boat club, both girls and boys squads together, which helps build a strong community and group. How has Norwich School helped you on your rowing journey? Norwich School have helped me develop by providing elite coaching by various members of the sports department, most of all, Mr Carter-Mayers, our senior rowing coach, along with my academic teachers who have been supportive along the way. How did you get selected to represent GB in U19 Junior World Championships? Selection was decided by a week of testing and racing up to 8 times a day. Through the results from then and throughout various trials this year the selectors build a ranking of the top 7 rowers, which they will take to the worlds championships. Thankfully I was in this group to be selected. How have you been preparing for the event? Since leaving for selection camp on the first week of the summer holidays I’ve been down in London and Reading at the national training centre. I have been rowing with my crew and getting familiar with each other ready for when we take on the rest of the world on the 7th of August. Throughout these 4 weeks we’ve come together well, with a few rocky patches, but nonetheless feeling confident as we enter competition week. We wish Nick the best of luck!
By Eleanor Lewis July 31, 2025
5 - 16 August Open daily 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Reepham Artists and Makers are a collective of artists and makers based in and around Reepham, Norfolk. They have been exhibiting together since 2017 in galleries and other venues. They work in textiles, ceramics, painting, silver-smithing, glass, wood, gilding and sculpture. Many of the group display and sell as individuals but also come together as a group. Meeting on a regular basis, the artists work together on exhibitions, run workshops within their disciplines and have social visits to galleries and exhibitions in and around Norfolk. Jackie Watson - Ceramics • Sue Johnston - Paintings and Textile Art • Carolyn Penney - Glass and Metal Work • Sara Kenyon - Painter and Water Colourist • Linda Sadler - Ceramics and Textiles • Jane Bygrave - Ceramics • Emily Longhurst - Artist, Working in wood, acrylics and gilding • Tamara Goulding - Lacemaker
By Eleanor Lewis July 14, 2025
Friday 4 July, Independence Day in America, happened to be a memorable day of independence for some of our community, as it heralded the last day of school for our Upper Sixth pupils. And it wasn’t just the pupils sharing this special day – parents and guardians were welcomed to the Close to share in the celebrations. Some pupils had been through the entire Norwich School journey, reflecting on 11 years growing up in the Close, whilst others had experienced a packed and exciting two year Norwich School journey, having joined in Sixth Form. Whatever the ‘length of service’, however, the mixed emotions amongst leavers were shared – excitement for the future, sadness and trepidation as such an important chapter of their lives drew to a close, pride at having reached such a milestone and a touch of exhaustion at the end of such an important academic year. A beautiful sunny day dawned, with an early breakfast for the pupils and a special address from the President of the Horatio Society, Jacob Stevenson, who wished his peers well and encouraged them to embrace their new status as Old Norvicensians (ONs). Jacob also handed out awards as voted for by the pupils themselves including, to name but a few, Most Likely to Start A Charity, Best Bromance, Most Likely to Headline Glastonbury and Most Likely to End Up Back at Norwich School (an easy win for Joel Newman who returns next year as a Lower School Gap Student!). They then headed to tutor group where they were presented with their Valedictory Reports – as written by their Head of House and the Head. Parents and Guardians then joined the celebrations for a brunch on the Refectory lawn before filing into the Cathedral for a very special Farewell Assembly. It was hard to spot a dry eye as parents and pupils joined in singing I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem, and the Head delivered a moving and inspirational address. The congregation were then upstanding and clapped continuously as the Upper Sixth filed out of the Cathedral for the very last time, exiting the West Doors, where they were greeted with a farewell and handshake from the Head. The Upper Close was buzzing as families reunited with one another, hugging and crying as they shared the emotion of such a significant day. Overall, however, despite the tears, it was a day for celebration – to toast a job well done to the Class of 2025 who gave it their all and embraced every opportunity on their Norwich School journey. Corks popped and there were photos a-plenty as families embraced a last chance to take pictures in the Norwich School uniform, before departing for perhaps a rest or a power nap, before dressing in their finest and heading for Norwich City Football Club for the Leavers Ball.  Over 300 parents, staff and pupils attended a magnificent evening, with a sumptuous three course meal, entertainment and a live band which kept everyone on the dancefloor until 1am. There was an after party, but we will leave it at that…! Wishing the Class of 2025 every success for the future and stay in touch. Remember. You are all ONs for life!
By Eleanor Lewis July 12, 2025
Three groups undertook their practice expedition at the end of term. The weather kept to the predictions, being warm and sunny. On the hottest day the groups left camp early, with altered routes to ensure water could be topped up several times. They all coped very well, arriving in campsites and shade before the highest temperatures were reached. The fourth group arrived and the first groups returned to Norwich. The training was repeated with a short walk to refresh and learn navigational skill, followed by some first aid training. The next day the group walked to their next campsite, where they adopted an 8th member which you can see with the team below!
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